Penn State’s Ag Progress Days on August 14-16 will showcase programs related to crops, soils and natural resources and a special presentation on the newly enacted REAP Tax Credit Program that provides farmers with incentives to install farm conservation practices.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will highlight a number of important conservation opportunities at their display area in the Conservation Tent.

The Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) was recently signed into law. This program will provide $10 Million this year for agricultural BMPs in the form of transferable or sponsored tax credits. CBF will be providing information on the program and collecting names of interested parties for additional information when the program is avialable in mid-October.

The Federal Government is currently crafting the new Federal Farm Bill which will take effect this fall. CBF’s booth will have information on the issues and how to contact your federal officals to weigh in on this critical issue.

CBF will also have information on the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Precision Dairy Feeding at our display. CREP offers landowners the opportunity to establish forest buffers along their streams, covering installation costs and providing an annual rental payment. Precision Dairy Feeding provides dairy producers with opportunities to improve the cost effectiveness of their feeding program, improve the nutritional health of the herd, and reduce their manure management costs.

Stop by the CBF display to learn more, get out of the hot sun and have some ice cold water!

For the second year, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service on a comprehensive area that includes multiple tents, displays and research plots.

The area will house exhibits and specialists from Penn State's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, the NRCS, the USDA's Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Game Commission and other agencies.

The key to the successful partnership, according to Douglas Beegle, professor of agronomy, is that everything is about Pennsylvania soils and crops.

"It is an outstanding showcase of the work of our crops and soils programs," Beegle says. "We will again have many of the features from last year: the corn maze, special plant and equipment exhibits, commodity groups and related associations in the tent, along with 'Ask the Specialists' and the hay competition."

Combining the conservation-related exhibits with the Crops and Soils Tent will highlight the interaction and scientific exchange between Penn State faculty and state experts in the same fields, says Beegle.

Among the special exhibits is a plot of Pennsylvania wildflowers, demonstrating ways that the flowers can be useful in conservation planning. A separate wildlife-food plot will address the growing demand for information on establishing and maintaining undeveloped tracts that can provide food and shelter for wildlife.

No-till equipment also will be on display in partnership with the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance, whose members will be available to answer questions about no-till crop production techniques. The Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association, the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council and the Pennsylvania Crop Management Association will also offer separate displays.

Beegle explains that Penn State Cooperative Extension specialists will be on hand to talk to agricultural producers about possible responses to a year of special problems, including drought conditions in areas of the state.

The common weeds exhibit and weed-identification display will offer fact sheets and examples of common weeds from around the state, with specialists on hand to help visitors formulate weed-management strategies. Teens can also get information on Penn State's academic degree opportunities in crop and soil sciences.

The ever-popular "A-Maze-N Corn" corn maze returns, as participants solve the two-acre puzzle by answering general questions about Pennsylvania agriculture. The region's finest hay also will be selected at the annual Ag Progress Days hay show. Visitors can submit entries to compete for prizes in 25 classes, with winning entries going to the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 14; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 15; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 16. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit the Penn State’s Ag Progress Days webpage.

Link: Gov. Rendell Signs $10 Million REAP Conservation Tax Credit Into Law

Session Schedule

The Senate and House will return to voting session September 17.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

On the Hill

· On the Senate/House Agenda

· Governor Outlines Topics for Special Energy Session Starting September 17

· Senate Hearings Set on Proposed Alternative Fuel Mandate in September

· House Environmental Committee Sets Hearing on Drilling for Coal Bed Methane

Other News

· EPA Recognizes Erie’s Edward Kissell for Environmental Volunteerism

· EPA Lauds Infrastructure Success at Erie Drinking Water Facility

· First PA Private Water Well Symposium Set for October 2

· Local Source Water Protection To Get Boost From New Program

· Conservation Districts/State Conservation Commission Conference “Electric”

· Small Business Centers Launch New PA Manure Trader Website

· Hard Work, Local Involvement Improves Vintondale Flood Protection

· Gov. Rendell Announces PA Wilds Conference for September 13-14

· The Beauty of Pennsylvania’s State Parks Captured in New Calendar

· PA CleanWays, DCNR Partner in Swatara State Park Cleanup

· Clearwater Conservancy Endorses Allegheny National Forest Wilderness Plan

· PA Center for Environmental Ed August EE Connections Newsletter Now Online

· U. of Pennsylvania, Other PA Companies Among Top Green Power Purchasers

· Bioenergy: From Fields to Wheels Crossover Set for September 4-5

· Green Building Alliance Offer Grants for Innovative Product Development

· Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance Sponsors Early Fall Educational Events

· Save the Date: PA Green Growth Forum-Green Building Products September 27-28

· Auditor General Wagner Calls on DCED to Improve Weatherization Assistance

· EPA Releases the Draft Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends

Spotlight

· Watershed Program Wins Governor's Environmental Excellence Award, Apply Now

Opinion

· Pennsylvania Has the Opportunity to be a Leader on Climate, By Brian J. Hill, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Environmental Council

· Invasive Pests Attack Species and Economy, By Bill Kunze, Pennsylvania State Director The Nature Conservancy

Feature

· Eagle Recovery Continues In Berks Thanks to Game Commission Employees

· Game Commission Elk Srvival Study Begins Wrap-up Year

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

8/3/2007